eKourier Jan 2016

FEATURES

Less Government More Freedom What is Libertarianism?

by the knowledge that low taxes, property rights and free markets have proven to offer the most prosperity to the most people, and particularly improved the wellbeing of the poorest people around the world. I truly believe in the intelli- gence and capacity of people to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. The government seems to constantly underesti- mate the intelligence of people. They cannot resist meddling, taxing, regulating and subsidising.

“The core of libertarianism is respect for the life, liberty and property rights of each individual. This means that no one may initiate force against another, as that violates those natural

rights. While many claim adherence to this principle, only libertarians apply the non-aggression axiom to the state.” Ron Paul , Former US Congressman and three time Presidential Candidate.

“We want government to largely leave us alone, protect our personal security, but then to butt-out, leave us free to pursue our hopes and dreams, as long as we don’t hurt anybody

So contesting the by-election offered a

wonderful platform for me to say: these things matter.

else.” John Stossel , host of “Stossel” on Fox Financial News Network and author of Myths, Lies and Downright Stupidity.

T he decision to contest the Going to Canberra to be a federal MP was not some burning ambition, nor did it represent career progression. In fact, if I was to succeed it would have been a significant step backwards. I entered the contest after being invited by David Leyonhjelm (Liberal Democrats Party (LDP) Senator for NSW), where he clearly told me that I would not win. The objective of the adventure was to provide stark contrast amongst the incumbent parties who are all simply pursuing big taxing, big spending and big regulating policies. I have strong convictions about the problems of high taxes and big govern- ment, not to mention our growing debt. Oddly, I came across people who believe these principles and my decision to contest were driven by selfish reasons to have more money. KSS pays an enormous amount of tax and I would rather be profitable and pay tax, than not. North Sydney by-election was an amazing experience and opportunity.

The response from people

was wonderful and I enjoyed some good media coverage, but I learned that contesting a by-election with 13 candidates is extremely noisy. Many voters seemed to become easily captured by state or local issues - irrelevant to a Federal Election. Libertarians believe in self ownership and the non-aggression principal. They want to live their lives as they choose, as long as they respect the rights of others to do the same. In other words, don’t hurt people and don’t take their stuff. Libertarians really are unique and currently represent a small portion of the population. In the election we achieved a 2.1% first preference vote - I am pleased with this as my message did get interest and I am sure it has been positive for the cause of individual liberty and free markets. Reflecting on the by-election, the feedback from many people who were genuinely impressed, proud or inspired that I had the conviction to stand up for what I believe in has probably been one of the most rewarding outcomes. Sam Kennard Managing Director

“Libertarians want the smallest, least-intrusive government consistent with maximum freedom for each individual to follow his own ways, his own values, as long as he doesn’t interfere

with anyone else’s doing the same.” Milton Friedman (1912-2006), Noble Prize-winning economist.

“Libertarianism is the view that each person has the right to live his life in any way he chooses so long as he respects the equal rights of others. Libertar- ians defend each person’s

right to life, liberty, and property – rights that people possess naturally, before governments are created. In the libertarian view, all human relationships should be voluntary; the only actions that should be forbidden by law are those that involve the initiation of force against those who have themselves used force – actions like murder, rape, robbery, kidnapping, and fraud.” David Boaz , Executive Vice President, Cato Institute

The reality is my motivations are driven

6 Kennards Kourier January 2016